Finite Quantum and Classical Electrodynamics

Abstract

In this paper I wish to report on a continuing investigation of relativistic quantum theory which is free from mathematical absurdities, in agreement with physical results and is conceptually satisfactory. [1] While the results so far obtained in the theory are encouraging and are of general applicability to strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions, for a variety of reasons I will confine my attention to finite quantum electrodynamics. Even apart from the primary concern of this Conference, electrodynamics is the prototype of all field theories. It is universal and it has been the beginning of our understanding of the quantum nature of the primary constituents of the universe. Moreover, quantum electrodynamics has made many remarkable quantitative predictions like the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron and the Lamb shift. At a conceptual level quantum electrodynamics reconciles the principles of statistical mechanics with the existence of systems with infinite number of degrees of freedom; and demonstrates that virtual quantum field theoretic processes are real enough to produce observed quantitative physical effects.